Reading the CBC Canada Reads 2021 Books!

TL;DR

The Canada Reads literary contest shortlist introduces a variety of fantastic reads that may not be typically picked, including memoirs, fantasy romance, and office novel reads.

Transcript

the cbc canada reads literary contest is such a bizarre bookish contest not the least of which how the shortlist ultimately is debated by a bunch of canadian celebrities which ultimately choose the winner and yeah it is a little strange how that's all done all in good fun of course and i guess any sort of prize is kind of arbitrary and ultimately h... Read More

Key Insights

• 🍉 The Canada Reads shortlist introduces readers to diverse books, both in terms of subject matter and through the inclusion of independent publishers.
• 👪 "Two Trees Make a Forest" combines environmental history with family history, but some readers found that the different elements did not fully come together.
• 🥰 "Johnny Appleseed" explores themes of gay love, sexuality, and Indigenous identities, offering a unique perspective on the term "two-spirit."
• 😫 "The Midnight Bargain" is a fantasy romance set in a Regency era with elements of magic, tackling themes of female empowerment and societal expectations.
• 🦸 "Hench" provides a unique perspective on the superhero and villain dynamics, focusing on the overlooked individuals in the background of the hero-villain conflict.
• 🥰 "Butter Honey Pig Bread" is a sensory and emotional journey that combines food with themes of family, love, loss, and homecoming, showcasing the author's exceptional writing.
• 📕 The Canada Reads shortlist highlights the importance of reading and escaping into books, especially during the pandemic, and reminds readers of the sensory experiences lost in the current world.
• 😋 "Butter Honey Pig Bread" is highly recommended and stands out as a potential winner, capturing the essence of the Canada Reads mandate to transport readers through its writing and exploration of food.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the Canada Reads shortlist determine the winner?

The Canada Reads shortlist is debated by Canadian celebrities who ultimately choose the winner. The selection process may seem arbitrary, but it consistently introduces readers to fantastic reads.

Q: What were some standout books from previous Canada Reads shortlists?

Previous shortlists included "Why Indigenous Story" by Eden Robinson, "We Have Always Been Here" by Samra Habib, "From the Ashes" by Jesse Thistle, "Radicalized" by Cory Doctorow, and "Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club" by Megan Gail Coles.

Q: What is "Two Trees Make a Forest" by Jessica Lee about?

"Two Trees Make a Forest" combines the author's background as an environmental historian with her search to uncover the histories of her grandparents in Taiwan. The book explores the lush greenery of the island and Lee's family history during World War II.

Q: What is "Johnny Appleseed" by Joshua Whitehead about?

"Johnny Appleseed" tells the story of a two-spirit Indigenous individual working as a cyber sex worker, exploring themes of love, sexuality, and the term "two-spirit." The book provides a better understanding of Indigenous identities and history.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Canada Reads literary contest allows Canadian celebrities to debate and choose the winner from the shortlist, exposing readers to fantastic reads that they may not typically choose.

• Last year's winner, "Son of a Trickster" by Eden Robinson received attention and TV serialization before its cancellation due to the series director's controversy.

• The 2021 shortlist includes "Two Trees Make a Forest" by Jessica Lee, "Johnny Appleseed" by Joshua Whitehead, "The Midnight Bargain" by C.L. Polk, "Hench" by Natalie Zina Walschots, and "Butter Honey Pig Bread" by Francesca Ekwuyasi.